Megayachts

Megayachts are the largest class of privately owned, professionally crewed pleasure yachts. There is no universal international threshold, but in common usage they are vessels longer than about 60 meters (roughly 200 feet). The terms megayacht and superyacht are often used interchangeably, though some sources reserve megayacht for the upper end of the market.

Most megayachts are motor yachts, with a smaller subset being sailing yachts. They are built by specialized shipyards such as Lürssen, Feadship, Benetti, Oceanco, and Amels, usually to bespoke designs. Construction typically uses steel or aluminum hulls with lightweight superstructures, and advanced propulsion and stabilization systems. Interiors are highly customized and may include multiple decks, guest suites, a dining salon, a spa, a gym, and outdoor spaces such as pools or sun decks. Some feature helipads or beach clubs.

Crews are a defining feature, with professional captains, engineers, navigators, stewards, and chefs. Crew sizes commonly range from 20 to 40 on the largest vessels, and a high crew-to-guest ratio supports privacy and service. Yachts undergo regular maintenance and periodic refits; safety and environmental compliance are guided by flag state rules and classification societies.

Market and use: Megayachts are typically owned by high-net-worth individuals or family offices, with a substantial secondary market for charter services. They sail worldwide, with popular itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean, and schedules shaped by weather, events, and client demand.

Regulation and trends: As privately operated ships, megayachts are not normally passenger ships and may not be SOLAS-classified, but they follow applicable international conventions, flag-state and classification rules. Ongoing trends in design emphasize efficiency, hybrid propulsion, quieter operation, and greater guest privacy, along with increasingly rigorous standards for safety and environmental performance.